PKC Tournament....

....OK, so I did it. I went to good old Muncie, IN yesterday and participated in my first-ever karate tournament. It was interesting to say the very least! You sign up for the tournament, which gains you access to compete in five events. Chanbara (think NERF meets samurai and that's pretty much the weapon you're fighting with), Weapons (where you do a kata --routine-- with a weapon of your choice), Self-Defense (think setting up a try-out for Texas Walker Ranger...you set up a scenario of self defense), Kata (a routine of punches, kicks, blocks, etc....think dance), and Kumite (sparring). I was hoping to sign up for Chanbara, Kata, and Kumite. I had to not go for the Chanbara because I didn't have a full-mask head gear. What kinds of pansies are running this, anyway? A full mask? WTF? Little did I know that I would have been the only woman in my division who would have signed on to compete, thus earning me a first place plaque and some points. Whatever. So I had to bow out of that one. I did, however, compete in kata. Was nervous as shit, but got average ratings for the kata. Was simply happy to finish it. I got third place. Woot! Oh, I shouldn't forget to tell you that only three women in my division were there that day, eh? *winks* So, next came Kumite. I lost my one round. I didn't even score on the girl. She was mean. Mean, I tell you! The redemption on this one? A girl who actually won first at Nationals last year got swept by her, too. So I can't really say how I did. The girl who got second (which is a lark, too, because I never fought her, so how would we REALLY know how I would have done....she got the buy, so an automatic second place....a lark, no?) told me beforehand that she's NEVER won against her. So I feel a little vindicated. I still don't know how I would be against other competition. So I walked away with two third place plaques.

What did I learn? The worst thing that can happen is that you get beaned in the face. Getting some additional gear will be a good idea (next month they will start letting brown and black belts hit in the face to score points....a face shield will be a necessity!). Being a brown belt has its disadvantages, as you get roped into judging and scorekeeping, thus missing your friend's sparring match and the other competitions that you could learn from.

The biggest lesson? That I'm glad that I did it. I wasn't ready to do it. And if I would have gone to just watch, I would not be competing any time soon. Also, I know that I need more practice. I need to be able to get some mat time to actively work on techniques. If I can't get that from my dojo, I will thank him for what I've learned so far and move on to a different school (Well, after this October, since I am on contract through then to get my black belt from him).

The biggest and best surprise of the day? Watching Collin be inspired by his old mom. Next month's competition will likely be done by HIM. Not me. If I can't afford to sign us both up, I'm going to be switching places with him month after month.